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About this project

The Project

After pouring over tons of cosplay images, from con outfits to done at home projects, something was missing. All the ingenuity and dedication these people had, still seemed limited in the audience it could reach. But what if we could turn the tide? What if we could bring together a collective of talents with such a vast audience that it was impossible to go unseen?
So we started plotting. Who could up the ante, and drive cosplay into the mainstream? The factor, of course, was working with the right people. Legitimacy in entertainment comes from working with legitimate people. So we started rounding up a team, to be both in front of and behind the camera. We scouted for talents both new and old to give us a wide range to work with. So now, we are right in the middle of making for you a 12 month cosplay calendar. Here is a few of the people already dedicated to helping us make this happen:

Jennifer Lyons:

Jennifer Lyons is a face you may have seen over the last decade and a half. Whether it’s TV, Film, or modeling for an L.A. based popular Lingerie company she stays busy enjoying the roller coaster ride of the Entertainment business. She was born in Pasadena, California to a family of entertainers. Her Father is a Flamenco Guitarist, her Mother a very enthusiastic Principal, and Grandparents were a Vaudeville team. She is truly inspired by her extremely talented Aunt Dorothy and her Movie Star Uncle James Best, known for Dukes of Hazzard, who she recently starred in the film THE RETURN OF THE KILLER SHREWS with. Her love for performing was apparent from a very young age, when she would dance for her family while her dad played guitar!

She went on to study dance for 17 years and perform in Europe and China. Her love for the stage broadened into musical theatre in high school and college. Not too soon after, she was given a recurring role on California Dreams as a ballet dancer. Her career has continued to broaden into roles on TV shows, commercials, and film. Some of her many credits include, That 70's show, Married with Children, General Hospital, Action, Desperate Housewives, Las Vegas, Monk,NCIS, Malcolm in the Middle, Bacardi and Cola campaign(Veronica), Can’t Hardly Wait, Lampoon’s Dorm Daze films, and was excited to film a small part in The Amazing Spiderman.

More than anything she loves comedy, “The best feeling is making someone laugh, I think all women should find their inner Marilyn, but more importantly, unleash your inner LUCY! Life is way more fun that way.”

A familiar face in the modeling world, Chanel Ryan has taken her career to the next level and made the transition to acting full time. She has co-starring roles in no less than six indie films in the next twelve months and film-goers will find it next to impossible not to notice her breathtaking smile.

The stunning, blonde Pennsylvania-born beauty believes in serendipity and was at the right place at the right time when she landed her first job. Now her career seems to be moving at fast forward with no sign of stopping.

Chanel’s upcoming roles include Jonas Akerlund’s “Small Apartments” with James Caan and Billy Crystal, “Dorothy & The Witches of Oz,” starring Sean Astin, Christopher Lloyd and Lance Henrickson, “Skum Rocks” with Alice Cooper, and “Bad Kids Go to Hell” with Judd Nelson and Ben Browder based on the best selling comic book of the same name.

Discovered while sunbathing in Laguna Beach, CA, Chanel was only too happy to be paid for hanging out at her favorite place not to mention the free bikinis! Modeling came easy to Chanel and soon she was working in exotic locations all over the world. You have seen the golden haired beauty in campaigns for Anheuser Busch, Burke Williams Spas, Harley Davidson swimwear, Harrah’s Casinos, Miller Beer and fashion shows for Fredericks of Hollywood. Named one of the sexiest women on the planet by magazines from four continents, her face and body have graced magazines across the globe including Maxim, FHM and Playboy.

Wanting to bring something more to the pretty girl roles being offered her, Chanel has studied with some of LA’s most respected and renowned acting coaches including Margie Haber (Master Class), Aaron Speiser, Lesly Kahn and Katt Shea. She has also had intensive dialect coaching with the master of voices, Bob Corff, which has helped her perfect numerous accents. Her improv training at Groundlings and ACME landed her a role opposite Bill Murray in the pilot, “The Sweet Spot.”

Chanel has appeared in over 30 national commercials including Pepsi, Saturn, Volkswagen, Del Taco, Wet & Wild Cosmetics, Audi, Coca-Cola and Visa. Acting jobs naturally followed. Some of her earlier roles were in the zany Universal film, “BASEketball,” and in the TV movie, “Wallace,” starring Gary Sinese and Mare Winningham, directed by the great John Frankenheimer.

"My name is Michelle Marie Baena. I was born December 24th, 1972 in a small town called Muncie, Indiana. When I was a child, my Dad moved around a lot for work. I lived in Edmond, Oklahoma during my early elementary school years. When I was in 5th grade, we moved out west to Folsom, CA where I lived for three years. In 8th grade, we moved back to the Midwest to Stanley, Kansas where I made it through High School. When I was 17, I moved out to California and I have been here ever since. California offers everything – mountains, the beach, redwoods, big cities, small towns, rivers, wine country… I just love it and I can’t see myself ever leaving California. I used to daydream of being a model as a teenage girl. I absolutely idolized Christie Brinkley - I would cut out pictures of her and put them up on my wall. And I have always dreamed of being in Playboy Magazine. I had so much going on in my life for so long that I never had the time to pursue a modeling career. Actually, it’s probably more accurate to say that I never made pursuing a modeling career a priority in my life. In August of 2004, at 31 years of age, I finally made the decision to pursue my dream of a becoming a successful model. I started off doing TFP (Time for Print) work to flesh out my portfolio and bikini/lingerie modeling, which made me a little money here and there. Like many girls entering modeling, I faced several disappointments early on and had reason after reason to become discouraged. For example, I entered a Bay Area Hawaiian Tropic contest and finished 4th. I also entered the 2004 Ujena Bikini Jam where I finished 19th! But I kept focused on my goal of being successful and despite being turned down for big jobs several times for being “too short”, “too tan”, “not tan enough”, “too fit”, “too muscular”, “not fit enough”, “hair is too long”, “hair is too short”, I finally got a break. I sent in a few bikini shots in to Playboy.com for their "Real Desperate Housewives” search. One thing led to another and in April 2005, I realized one of my dreams and appeared on the May 2005 cover of Playboy Magazine. This definitely opened the door for me to advance in my career, but I do realize that my career is just starting and I have a lot of goals that I have yet to accomplish. It has now been a year and a half since I first started modeling and I have shot for several fitness magazines, Benchwarmer, Mac & Bumble, and the USA National Bikini Team."

"I was born and raised in Southern California. Most of my childhood was spent in Palm Desert, with weekly trips to visit my father who lived near the ocean. As an avid sun worshipper, it was only a matter of time before I moved to the beach full time. Newport Beach has been my home for over 6 years now. Not the over dramatized, extravagant and pretentious one you see portrayed on 'The OC'. I'm fortunate enough to live in the 'real' Newport Beach where shorts and flip-flops are the staple of every wardrobe; where a beach cruiser is enough transportation to do all my grocery shopping, go out to dinner or visit many of my friends. The surf and sand make a soothing backdrop for my daily run and the fresh air helps keep me alert during visits to my nearby gym. If you couldn't already tell by my photos, exercise and diet are a very big part of my life. I take great pride in looking exactly like the girl you see in my pictures. Many photographers have told me it makes their job much easier since they have little to no touch up on my photos, so I continue to try and work as hard as I can, for myself and for the camera.

During the first few years of college, I had braces on my teeth, slowly forming the smile you see today. I also waited tables at a local restaurant and almost once a month would get my dancing fix by going to Las Vegas for the amazing night life. I would always wear some of the skimpiest custom made outfits to try and make myself look older, in an attempt to get past the doormen (not even to drink, just to get in and dance). Eventually, I was approached by a Hollywood club promoter who told me I could get paid for doing the same thing. I started go-go dancing almost immediately at the most popular regular and afterhour L.A. hotspots and absolutely loved it. After finally having my braces removed, I found that modeling was an excellent alternate source of income that would allow me a more regular schedule and what seemed to be a more promising future. Upon the completion of my undergraduate studies, I choose to focus exclusively on acting as my career path and only continue to model as my schedule permits. I am confident you will see much more of me in the future, but in the meantime please enjoy my website and keep checking back for more information. Thank you, Holly :)"

"I'm an actress originally from Longmont, Colorado who now resides in Los Angeles, with a lot of big dreams. I love the art of making movie magic it is a truly beautiful gift to be able to portray characters and bring them to life whether it be on film, television, stage or through modeling and I am very fortunate that I get to partake in something I love. So my life has been focused on how to make this a reality. After obtaining her degrees in Theatre and Communication with a minor in Dance from the University of Colorado she made the move to Los Angeles to further her acting career. You can now watch Erica in such feature films as #1 Cheerleader Camp, Recently released Bikini Spring Break, Sci-fi’s, Mega Shark vs Crocosaurus and Titanic 2. Along with many indie films and the new web-series soon to be released Silicon Assassin where she will be playing Lady Twilight one of the assassins trying to save the new United States. When not chasing after the spotlight you can find Erica outside. I love being outdoors from hiking, to beach volleyball to pool days. I think I am secretly a hippie who prefers being out in nature more than being cooped up inside. I love adventure! As for now I am also looking forward to this new adventure, being a part of this Calendar with such a great group of talented performers."

"Brooklyn Snow is an up and coming model originally from a small town in Oregon who now resides in Los Angeles. She is a model that is very determined to make her dreams a reality. Brooklyn also has a love for music, particularly all electronic dance music, and becoming a DJ or singer is in the works for her as well. Away from music and modeling, Brooklyn likes to play tennis, hang out with her puppy Panda and spend time with her friends and family. She is very excited to be a part of this project because she is a bit of an inner nerd herself. Brooklyn is a die hard fan of everything Firefly and is a big fan of the comic book inspired movies coming out, just to mention a few. She would like to thank everyone for their time and donations and looks forward to making this calendar very soon!"

"I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. I still live there because I absolutely love the beautiful mountains!!!!! I started out modeling when I entered a bikini contest and won!! From there, I joined a local bikini team that produced calendars and did promotional events including fashion shows. It was so much fun that I wanted to do more modeling so I started promoting myself as a fitness, bikini and glamour model. I have loved being in this business. I was so excited to see my pictures in calendars, magazines like American Curves, Ultimate MMA and Oxygen, and promotional ads in Sports Authority and posters in Spencer's gifts and F.Y.E. I have been fortunate to work with some of the best photographers and models in the business that I can truly call my friends. I have also been able to travel around the world. Besides modeling, I love sports and the outdoors. I am very competitive and am always up for a challenge! The one thing I try to make sure of is that everyone has a fun time when we work together! Xoxo, Deb."

"I'm a full time Commercial Actress & Print, Trade show, Convention and Event model. I'm also host and emcee, as well as a Spokesmodel and Presenter for Chrysler Group throughout the auto show season. It's a fabulous job and I'm grateful for it! I take pride in everything that I do and no matter how big or small a job and whether it pays $50 or $5000, I commit 110%. I'm a lucky girl! My work has given me the opportunity to meet fantastic and talented professionals. I'm given the opportunity to travel all over the US, Canada, South America and the Caribbean.Over the years, I've been fortunate to meet and work with so many wonderful photographers, videographers, models, stylists, make-up artists and commercial clients. The experiences are invaluable to me and I've built long lasting friendships and relationships."

"Hello my name is Chassidy luke. I'm a nationally published professional model. Over recent years I’ve had a broad span of jobs including corporate trade shows, product spokes model, acting, magazines, feature interviews and covers. I’ve also Interviewed major bands on camera for web type shows. Growing up in Florida and Georgia has made me a down to earth, hard working girl who’s driven and I put one hundred percent in what I do."

"Meggie Maddock is a vibrant rising actress and model. She has been extremely active in both film and television. Her latest role is the 'Yurei' in "Tengu: The Immortal Blade" with James Lew and Louis Mandylor. Additionally, Ms. Maddock appears in Stanley Scott Bullock’s “The House That Wept Blood” with David Hess, horror films "Last House on the Left" by We Craven and "Bouquet of Consequence" by LA Motion Pix.
As stunning in print as she is on film, Ms. Maddock has been featured as a cover model for Charter Hub magazine and as Marilyn Monroe for Barnett’s Harley Davidson.
Continually expanding her abilities, Meggie carries two bachelor degrees in Spanish and Visual Communications. Meggie also enjoys playing all sports and activities including: basketball, yoga, salsa dancing, photography, boxing, softball, volleyball, hiking, and anything else that involves fitness. In the future, she looks forward to gaining new perspectives and finding the voice within herself for each and every character."

"Welcome! Here's my life story in a nutshell: the stork delivered me on May 31st, which makes me a Gemini, the sign of the Twins. In other words, two different people in one body...enough said. My ethnicity is Japanese, English, German, and Swedish. My Mom and Dad met in Okinawa, Japan, where my Dad was stationed during Vietnam. They married, had my brother, moved back to the States, and had me. I am the proud daughter of a Green Beret and actually survived many Special Forces reunions growing up. My early childhood was spent in the Midwest, elementary and junior high in Saudi Arabia of all places, and back to the Midwest for high school and college. I was quite the problem child back in the day so we'll leave most of those details out. Believe me, I was an unusually evil teen. What saved my ass throughout was my music, art, and a supportive family. During my years overseas, my Dad took the family all over the world. I couldn't be more grateful for the amazing eye-opening experiences that have shaped who I am today. I can't thank him enough. I always had a love for the arts so I originally pursued music and received a full scholarship for Performance Guitar at SMU, but later switched schools and majors. I received my B.F.A. in Commercial Art/Computer Design from Millikin University, a small private liberal arts college in Illinois and worked as a Graphic Designer for a while. Meanwhile, I had been dreaming about making the journey across the country to Southern California and I finally did just that when the time was right. The second I arrived here, I felt instantly at home. I started modeling, hosting, and acting shortly after realizing that desk jobs are just not for me. You see, I'm a little hyper and a bit of a free spirit, so being forced to sit in a desk for eight hours a day is like a form of torture for me.I began focusing on music again in recent years, which is the true reason I moved to California. I am very grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way. I really love what I do and each day is a new adventure."

"My name is Myschon Bales and I am an accountant by day and national bikini competitor by night. I am a MidWest girl born and raised but moved to the Pacific Northwest 6 years ago. I am a Purdue University Accounting graduate with a Masters in Business from the University of Phoenix. Although my day job is in accounting, my true passions lie within my fitness world. I am ranked in the top 5 in the Nation in Bikini Fitness competitions in hopes to go Pro within the year. I currently do bikini and fitness modeling part-time in hopes to make it more of a full-time gig. I am always smiling and love putting smiles on peoples face. Inspiring and motivating others is what I love doing and if I can touch one person by doing what I love then my job is complete."

Working tirelessly behind the camera is Michael James Kirk. He brought you many of the shots above, as well as little look in to more of his work below:

This is a small selection of the people we have been talking to. We are still scouring the globe to bring you the best and brightest. We're stock piling props and gadgets and scouting locations. Combining all of the elements, we are attempting to bring to you a calendar featuring superheroes in fantastic locals, fully rendered into their world of might and wonder. The project is pushing on full of big ideas we want to realize, but we aren't there yet. It feels like the last 50 meters, but a major road block still stands. On our own, it's not one we can overcome. That's where you guys come in: the key players, the clutch shot. The second wind...

The Money

Currently, we are looking for 27,000 in funding. This cost is only to cover the expenses of the project. Talented people need their space, and that means a lot of ground to cover to get them all together. Airfare, hotels, gas and general expenses are the vast majority of our budget. While the creators of the project have offered to remove their own payment from the bill (we are quite happy with our refrigerator box/living arrangements,) it is still important to compensate the team we have collected for their services. This includes all models, photographers, f/x and make up artists who have come together to make this the best in cosplay and superhero fun possible. And, as you ladies out there can attest, clothes aren't cheap. Now try finding one of a kind garments to best dress our amazing cast of characters. We promise to make every dollar count, but bringing to life extravagant photos of your favorite heroines will be no small feat. (Actual dimensions may say otherwise...)

The Rewards!

Pandering. We aren't above it.

With everyone being so generous with us, we are hoping to repay that in kind. So first and foremost, all Kickstarter rewards (beyond the calendar) will be exclusive to you, the project backers. Once the money is in bank, all items will be produced at the required lot, then discontinued. Note a 5 dollar shipping fee will be added for all US territory packages. All international deliveries will require a 10 dollar shipping fee.

"So what kind of rewards?" you may ask. Currently all the listed rewards can be found on the side bar to the right. Feel free to peruse, take your time, you have 30 days to figure out if you see anything you'd like.

But!

This is just the beginning. Once our goal is reached, we have plenty more in store. We're dreaming up all kinds of goodies we would love to make for you guys and gals. So the sooner we hit our goal, the sooner we can start offering even more. The day we hit our goal, come right back to this spot for announcements on new items up for grabs. The higher you take us, the crazier we'll get (our doctors tell us this isn't possible, but what do they know...)

Daily Bonuses:

Check back, and do so often. We will be attempting to give out limited offer items throughout the funding. What are these awesome mystery bonuses? Honestly, we have no idea. Yet. But we will, and we are throwing everything in, including the kitchen sink (as soon as I find my tools...) Expect mostly little perks here and there, but don't count out a few large ticket items we have been sitting on. Times posted: MYSTERY. Items per day: MYSTERY. Fun: TO BE HAD!

FAQ

As of right now, that is totally in the hands of the backers. One of our donation levels (2,000) allows a backer to call us up, tell them who they want to see and any ideas they have for the shot. We will do our best to recreate their idea, as well as bring in a few of our own. Of course the best shot will be put into the calendar itself, but we will do our absolute best to make your ideas work.

Any left over spaces will be decided on between the creators, and a survey between the donators. We love coming up with the ideas and delivering, but this project is just as much about you guys as well!

Support this project

Select this reward

Pledge $1 or more
About $1.00

Our thanks. You have gotten us 1/350th of a way towards a round trip ticket, or a snickers break. You rock. (Seriously, every little bit counts.) We will be updating regularly in a chance to entertain our generous benefactors, so check in for donator only updates.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $15 or more
About $15

For those uninterested in a physical copy, you can snag a pdf format as well as a few random, high quality shot from one of our photo shoots via email. Your name in the calendar. Behind the scenes updates. Mental high fives.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

One physical copy of the calendar + a pdf version. In addition, we will be selecting a "best of the rest" featuring an additional shot per photo shoot sent via email. ($5 shipping US, $10 international)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

You like us. You REALLY like us! And we like you back. Not in a sweaty feelings kind of way, but in a "Here's your custom built wallpapers from a wide angle shot from each shoot, plus all of the previous bonuses" kind of way. Plus all $50 dollar donation perks.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

Daily Bonus 1: The Joss Addition:
All of the $50 level bonuses, plus a hardcover copy of "Serenity: Those Left Behind" right out of Brooklyns own stash, with a drawing + signature from her on the blank insert.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

Bonus 2: "The shirt off our back." This 1 spot bonus is the "I /heart/ Kickstarter" shirt, from the video, signed by all the cast and crew. It will be travelling with us from shoot to shoot to get signed and, provided it fits the days model, come with a few shots in it. $100 dollar donation level included.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

Bonus 3: The ViewAskew: A special addition to our shooting schedule, we will be doing a gender bender Jay and Silent Bob. We will send you digitals of the best shots, as well as one 8x10 print, signed by the models. $100 donation level included.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $275 or more
About $275

The learners level: Here you can get a copy of the calendar, and spend the day with our main photographer (Mr. MJK) learning the tricks of the trade in a class style session. And with any good class, the size will be limited to give you solid 1 on 1 time with the teacher:)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

All the last stuff. Your starting to get the hang of this, aren't you? Bonuses? What's your birthday? Let us know, and one of our models will write you a little something on the day, in your calendar. Happy birthday, Mr. President.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,000 or more
About $2,000

"The 6th man award." Each of our photoshoots is going to have 3 photographers present. 1 man will be helming the main camera, while two more will be shooting the entire process from start to finish. This level of donater will recieve unedited footage from the shoots and a special video thanks from a model on set. How unedited, you may ask. We're handing over the camera it's filmed on. Plus $500 level rewards.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,000 or more
About $2,000

Wow... that's like 1/14th of the project. But we'll do you one better. How about being responsible for 1/12th. We are gonna call you up, and get your direct input on how to design one month of the project. Figuring out what character and where, and hopefully which month we put it in. The day of the photo shoot, we will Skype call you with the whole crew to show you what we are up to, and get you a sneak peak at the character you've chosen. Plus the $500 level rewards.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

Bonus 5: "When you want something done right..." Today's bonus, gets you in on the action. You'll come to the shoot, be transformed into a character, and be featured alongside one of our models IN the calendar. We'll contact you ahead of time to get all your specs and have everything ready to roll when you arrive. Travel expense is up to you (the shoot will be in Portland, OR) the experience will be on us. Includes everything from the $500 level and 10 extra calendars!!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

You crazy, rich, awesome bastard you. Where were you when we were trying to fund this before? Well we can tell you where your going now. You're coming to Portland, and having dinner with the project masterminds and a model or two. We'll contact you about the day of one of our photoshoots. You can fly in, and see the process in action. After, you come to dinner with the cast and crew. Plus the $500 level rewards. ( Airfare not included.)